How Does A Charity Score Prime Real Estate Near The Richest Neighborhood In Midtown?
We have confirmed with our sources that Selig Properties signed a lease with Goodwill Industries International Inc. for the space at 1589 Monroe Drive Northeast.
Located across the street from Ansley Mall which is currently undergoing an exterior face lift so bad that Nip/Tuck wants a crack at reconstruction (story here), Goodwill is taking space that was most recently AT&T which relocated across the street this past August.
Local restaurateur, Mitchell Anderson of MetroFresh, announced (story here) he would be launching a new gourmet sandwich concept, MitchWich. We confirmed that his intention was to open the first location for his new franchise at this space, even hiring an architect to design the build-out and landscaping (story here).
We assume his bid fell through and have to wonder how a space that was being lobbied by the likes of Mitchell Anderson ends up being leased to a charity.
The question is, does Goodwill have the kind of the dough to afford this real estate or did Selig have alternative motives to cut a deal? Not that it’s a bad thing, but more so unusual. True, the shops in the Ansley area have never reflected its tony neighborhood, but this deal isn’t adding up.
Donate your thoughts?
Goodwill
1589 Monroe Drive Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30324
Good will, like Salvation Army has deep pockets for bringing in Donations and helping the community. I can only think they are going to do an upscale resale shop with a homeless latte cafe….Think Fred Segal in La…
Goodwill is popping up everywhere, it seems. I personally do not feel like it’s appropriate for this neighborhood but I guess everyone has their bargain moments.
Next thing you know, they’ll sign a lease for Dollar Store at Ansley.
Not sure why it matters where Goodwill is located. It’s a very respectable charitable institution. There is a Goodwill at Perimeter, on Perimeter Center West, which is also a very tony area.